. >> president obama and i both care about poor and middle class families. the difference is, my policies will make things better for them. >> reporter: romney's problem is historic, no republican has won the white house without winning ohio, romney sounded optimistic today in an interview with nbc news. >> can you win ohio? >> i'm going to win ohio, in part because i have support from people in ohio >> reporter: but the problem, obama is here, too, today, his 29th visit since taking office, and not letting anybody forget that other number, 47%. >> i don't believe we get very far with leaders who write off half the nation as victims who never take responsibility for their lives. >> reporter: the president stopped at campuses, rallying young supporters. such a crucial day, both men took the stage at almost the same time this afternoon, and almost crossed paths as president obama headed to kent state, and romney to toledo. >> if you're registered, you can start to vote in six days. and this is important because you have a big choice to make. >> reporter: romne